Each new camera here today also has a 12.1-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor, full 1080p HD video recording with dynamic image stabilizer and a Smart Auto function that automatically detects surrounding settings and chooses among 32 available different presets depending on the situation. That includes Toy Camera, Monochrome, and other fun effects.

That seems to be where the big similarities end. The PowerShot ELPH 300 HS is really the star of the show as the "world's thinnest 24mm wide-angle, 5x optical zoom model," but don't overlook the PowerShot SX230 HS, Canon's first GPS-equipped camera.

Here's a breakdown on the rest of the notable specs on this quartet of Canon ultra-compact cameras: